In daily things there’s much to see
Contentment found in great and small
Let not joy trickle from your hand
But hold it carefully to your heart
To know fulfillment, examine within
Your thoughts and expectations
In prayer we find our greatest treasure
Love is the key to fulfillment.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Springtime dance in a big mudpuddle
What’s this we see darting about?
Tiny black dots in a tenuous home
Splashing rain to replenish
Or welcoming a daily drink
From curious friends
Tadpole legs now kick about
A growing black cloud
in their small world
Nature’s wonder
God’s delight
Pollywog
Charlotte-Anne Allen
A puff, a blow, and away they go
Dandelion puffballs are a child’s delight
Sunny days, clear skies, and lifted face
Sending wishes floating, lifting, soaring
Bright yellow faces reflecting springs bright sun
Transformed to orbs of wonder, sending hope aloft
What is it we hope for? … Love and family dear
Rising each day to dandelion brightness
Encouragers they are, to ever persevere
Growing where they find themselves
So, send your dandelion wishes
Prayers for beginnings and life
Reaching, stretching, giving
God’s transforming breath
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What is it?, they said,
as they peered at the ground.
There were thin flakes like frost
shining white all around
What is it, this ‘manna’?
For they did not know
That it was bread of heaven
Food they couldn’t sow
Born of dew
by God’s great hand
It filled their bellies
and gave strength to stand
When we’re in the wilderness
With fear high and hope dim
It’s hard to cease our grumbling
Though in trials we can trust in Him
God is our provision
Daily providing all the stuff
When we gaze and say, What is it?
His manna is enough
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Have you ever heard a chicken laugh?
… Heard it burble with much glee?
What marvelous thoughts do they ponder?
… and what great things to see?
“Ah ha-ha-ha”, now hear them chortle.
… With darting gaze they look about.
Loyal sisters comment, clucking with much delight
… Then run around in confusion, expressing a bit of doubt.
Now the mighty leader loudly calling too
Expressing his opinion… a personal great view
Never a boring day, approached with grin and chuckle
… Sharing chicken laughs with you!
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What is it to be wise?
How one is known through another’s eyes?
We seek to know, to understand.
Walk this way. Know where to stand.
Look about. Thinking deep.
Listen. Pause. In prayer keep.
In struggles, challenges, our mistakes
We learn and ponder. That’s what it takes.
Wisdom’s example in others, too
It steers us, helps us in all we do.
What’s wise, you say?
See the heart and the whole, this day.
Making choices that lift and heal
Consider all perspectives and how others feel.
Wise, oh wise. Pursue wisdom for life.
It grows from goodness and from strife.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Crunch of feet upon the path
Step, step along the way
One came teaching of God’s great love
Touching, healing, seeing our hearts
Who are you and why this trek?
Travelers with you, by night and day
Crunch, step, crunch, step
Ever closer to Jerusalem’s mount
Needy arms reaching, faces turning
Who do they see and what do we say?
Shout hosanna… then turn and run
King of heaven enters… to give up the Son
Step, step and one final sup
To pray in the garden and offer the cup
Broken body, abandoned alone
Then filled with new light for us at home
Come alongside Him, this Jesus alive…
Who’s lifting us up when we stumble and fall
Step, crunch, step ever closer to that holy mount
… Walking with Him upon the upward path
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Springtime fresh
Throw open the windows
Greet gentle waft invited in
Lifting spirits
Breathe in deeply
Coolness filling, ever washing
Winter’s dust
Now leave behind
Carried away upon swift wings
Feel its promise
Upon hot, tired face
Calming relaxing clean
Close your eyes
And be encouraged
Listening to spring’s soft sigh
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Tend and care for that which is of value
• Work for nourishing results
• Warmth and caring are like the sun’s bright rays
• Positive influences bring out the best in us
• Aim for results that are helpful and usable
• Becoming better at something takes time
• Change comes through life’s experiences
• There are many responses to changes and challenges
• Patience during the process of growth and life is hard
• Sometimes we feel dried up and empty
• Pruning unhealthy thoughts and actions opens doors for grace
• Celebrate often, noticing the big and small fruits
• Stay connected to the Vine for health and strength
• God is our source, bringing forth the best in us
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Sometimes life seems to dribble
A little splash or drop
Things can move so slowly
Or almost seem to stop
But then I look around me
Set impatience to the side
I’m reminded to ‘rest easy’
And in one great God abide
Slower times are oh so needed
Take a moment and see the view
Time to think or reconsider
Being thankful for what is true
In those quiet little trickles
There is mighty work at hand
In each day find contentment
Knowing God does understand
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 